Paul Pogba has received a four-year ban from football due to testing positive for a banned substance. THE ATHLETIC NG reports.
The shocking news reverberated through the football world on Thursday, February 29, as the French superstar received the maximum possible punishment after traces of testosterone were discovered in a routine doping test conducted over the summer.
Despite protesting his innocence and asserting that any consumption was accidental, Pogba’s defense was rejected by anti-doping authorities, resulting in the severe penalty. The four-year ban effectively sidelines Pogba from playing until September 2027, potentially marking a disappointing conclusion to his illustrious career unless he successfully appeals the decision.
Pogba’s return to Juventus, where he had signed a contract just in July, took a sour turn as injuries limited him to only seven substitute appearances before the doping scandal surfaced.
His fall from grace is staggering, considering his key role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory and his status as one of football’s most recognizable figures.
Unless Pogba can clear his name through appeal, the four-year ban will impact his active football status considering he is 30 years old already.
In response to the doping ban ruling, Paul Pogba’s wife, Zulay, took to social media to express unwavering support for her husband.
Posting a photo of Pogba on her Instagram story, she captioned it with a message of solidarity: “The truth will always prevail, stay strong like always mi rey” (translated as “my king”).
